NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers are right where they want to be

. . Portland Trail Blazers. 11. team. 34. The Portland Trail Blazers have almost been much ado about nothing for a good part of last season. That was until D.A.M.E. Dolla put the rap world on notice when he released his debut album “O” in November. Damian Lillard is putting the NBA world on notice with his play early in the season. Lillard and the Trail Blazers haven’t lost a step as they have been just as good as a year ago. Portland’s rise in the West was unexpected last year, but they haven’t backed down from the higher expectations that their success brought upon them. <p>A huge factor for Portland’s sustained excellence has been the seamless fit of free agent acquisition Evan Turner. Turner’s mid-range game is a welcomed sidekick to the perimeter shooting abilities of Lillard and CJ McCollum. Turner’s ability to run the show has also freed up the Trail Blazers’ late game offense and allow both of the sharpshooting guards to play more off the ball. This quirk has made it possible for Terry Stots to draw up some of the most unique end of game and out of bounds plays we’ve seen this season.</p> <p>The continued development of Mason Plumlee and the average 3-point shooting of Maurice Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu is something this team will need if they are to improve on their performance this season. Dame has shown that he has the talent and fortitude to lead this team to greater aspirations than others perceive possible. This team might have plateaued with their accomplishment of making it to the second round of the playoffs last season, but what’s wrong with being one of the eight best teams in the league year-in and year-out? Lillard, the fierce competitor he is, would never come to terms or settle for less than pushing everyone for their absolute best every night that the team steps on the court.</p>